Aurora, Colo. - Join the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, Okla., from July 21-27 for the 27th Annual Youth National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show. The show will feature over 2,000 entries across more than 150 classes offered for Arabian and Half/Anglo-Arabian horses. The wide array of national championship classes includes halter, driving, sport horse disciplines, working Western, dressage, and even leadline. The first annual Youth Nationals was held in 1993, and it remains one of the most prestigious competitions for junior Arabian horse athletes.
Youth Nationals kicks off with the Arabian Horse Youth Association (AHYA) board meeting on Friday, July 19. The fun continues with the AHYA Convention, where competitors can pick up their qualifier t-shirts and enjoy the color war and water balloon fight, a first-time exhibitor Q&A, and an ice cream social before competition commences on Sunday, July 21.
This year, with 38 scholarships totaling more than $35,000 up for grabs for AHA youth riders, the competitive spirit stretches well beyond the arena. Ranging from $500-$2,500, scholarships are awarded based on a variety of qualifications, from being crowned a National Champion or Reserve National Champion to finishing in the Top 10 of a designated class.
The Friends of Vail scholarships will be awarded to riders in the 10 & Under, 13 & Under, and 14-18 divisions, as well as to two graduating seniors. These scholarships are given in memory of Vail Johnson, a nine-year-old rider who passed away in 2016 from a heart condition.
Thank you to Equine Athlete Veterinary Services, Lesley Farm, Long Meadow Arabians, Prestige Farm, Preferred Auto Group, Jarvis Insurance, Eleanor’s Arabian Farm, Hollywood Toi Foundation, the Arabian Horse Foundation, Friends of Vail, and Strawberry Banks Farm for their contributions to the youth.
Newcomers looking to learn more about the Arabian horse can take a behind-the-scenes tour with the Total Arabian Interaction and Learning (T.A.I.L.) program. Tours will be held daily at 10 a.m. CT. You can meet an Arabian horse, get a backstage experience of the show, and meet the exhibitors. Tours are free and open to the public. To attend a tour, please RSVP at [email protected] or call 303-696-4505.
How to Watch
The Arabian Horse Association is a recognized affiliate of US Equestrian. Tune in to the live stream throughout the competition and keep up with Youth Nationals and the Arabian horse by following AHA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Follow US Equestrian
Visit the US Equestrian Learning Center video library to learn more about the history and heritage of the Arabian horse and other recognized breeds and disciplines. Join the conversation and follow US Equestrian on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Use #JoinTheJoy.
Photo by: Ferrara